Best 5 Quick Almond Chicken Salad Recipes

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Almond chicken salad is a classic dish that is easy to make and always a hit with guests. The combination of sweet almonds, tangy mayonnaise, and tender chicken creates a flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to bring to a potluck, almond chicken salad is a perfect choice. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and almonds. With endless variations, there is an almond chicken salad recipe for everyone to enjoy.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

NAPA ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD (PANERA COPYCAT)



Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Panera Copycat) image

If love the chicken salad at Panera Bakery, you are going to adore this homemade version of their Napa almond chicken salad. The chicken salad is covered in a creamy mayo dressing for one of the best sandwich fillings you'll find!

Provided by Becky Hardin

Categories     Main Course     Salad     Sandwiches

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 1/2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
1 cup diced celery
1 cup seedless grapes (sliced)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
8 slices bread
2 roma tomatoes tomatoes (sliced)
4 lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • Combine the salt, lemon pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken breasts. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken breasts, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the breasts are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Let the chicken breasts cool. Then, chop into small small chunks.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together. Add in the chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds.
  • Spread an even amount of chicken salad on 4 slices of bread. Top with tomato slices, lettuce, and the other slice of bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 693 kcal, Carbohydrate 58 g, Protein 46 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 167 mg, Sodium 1509 mg, Fiber 8 g, Sugar 22 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD



Almond Chicken Salad image

This is a great summer salad that can be prepared ahead of time so you can enjoy the day.

Provided by LINDA W.

Categories     Salad

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
½ pound sugar snap peas, halved
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
½ cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon ground dry mustard

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix together the onions, carrot, red pepper, peas, chicken, cilantro and almonds. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, teriyaki sauce and dry mustard until smooth. Pour over salad mixture and toss until coated. Serve in pita pockets or on a bed of lettuce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Cholesterol 53.9 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 26.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 236.8 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD



Almond Chicken Salad image

My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. -Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
1 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup sliced green onions
3 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, onions and eggs. In another bowl, combine the next 9 ingredients; stir until smooth. , Pour over the chicken mixture and toss gently. Stir in almonds and serve immediately, or refrigerate and add the almonds just before serving. Garnish with kiwi if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 23g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 152mg cholesterol, Sodium 540mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

QUICK ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD



Quick Almond Chicken Salad image

I rely on this refreshing chicken salad often for lunch or a light supper. It can be made ahead of time and popped in the refrigerator, which is perfect for my busy schedule.-Brenda Nickerson, Clymer, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup green grapes, halved
1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, grapes, mayonnaise, yogurt and pepper; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Stir in almonds just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 138mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BASIC CHICKEN SALAD



Basic Chicken Salad image

This basic chicken salad is a family favorite. I like to use baked thighs or breasts that have been sprinkled with basil or rosemary.

Provided by Jackie M.

Categories     Salad

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
½ cup blanched slivered almonds
1 stalk celery, chopped

Steps:

  • Place almonds in a frying pan. Toast over medium-high heat, shaking frequently. Watch carefully, as they burn easily.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss with chicken, almonds, and celery.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 778.7 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 125.9 mg, Fat 63.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 44.3 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 403 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

Tips:

  • For a creamier salad, blend some of the almonds until they are finely ground before adding them to the mix.
  • If you don't have a rotisserie chicken, you can easily poach or bake chicken breasts at home.
  • Feel free to add other ingredients to your salad, such as chopped celery, grapes, or dried cranberries.
  • Use a variety of greens in your salad, such as romaine lettuce, arugula, or baby spinach.
  • If you are making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Almond chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its creamy texture, crunchy almonds, and sweet and savory dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this almond chicken salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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